The release of veteran Ugandan journalist Tim Kalyegira on bail has reignited debate over how the government handles critics, with former Resident City Commissioner Hubert Anderson Burora urging authorities to shift their focus away from outspoken commentators and toward corruption.
Kalyegira was freed on Friday after being detained over charges linked to alleged computer misuse and operating an unlicensed online platform.
His arrest had drawn attention from media observers, with concerns raised about the growing regulation of digital journalism in Uganda.
Reacting to the development, Burora dismissed Kalyegira and his associates as individuals whose influence is largely limited to rhetoric, arguing that they should not be treated as a priority by the state.
“I appeal to the government to leave them,” Burora said.
In a sharper critique, he turned his attention to state communicators, accusing them of failing to effectively represent government positions and allowing critics to dominate public discourse.
“Those paid to speak for government should be fired for failing to do their job,” he stated.
Burora further emphasized that national focus should instead be directed toward tackling corruption, which he described as a more pressing issue affecting citizens.
“Let’s direct the energy to the corrupt, not talkers,” he added.
His remarks introduce a contrasting perspective in the ongoing debate—while critical of Kalyegira’s influence, Burora also questioned the rationale behind pursuing legal action against commentators rather than addressing systemic governance challenges.
He also raised concern about Kalyegira’s well-being, pointing to his age and suggesting that sustained pressure or attempts to silence him could have serious consequences.
“He’s 58 years. He will die if he’s silenced because he can’t do much for himself,” Burora said.
Kalyegira, a long-time political commentator and publisher, has previously faced legal challenges tied to his writings, reflecting continued friction between authorities and sections of the media.
His latest case, centred on digital publishing laws, is expected to proceed in court despite his release on bail.
The situation adds to a broader regional conversation about press freedom, state regulation of online platforms, and how governments respond to dissenting voices in an increasingly digital political environment.